As a result of its default, the non-profit board began seeking a new owner. On Wednesday, Nov. 15, residents at the community were told that it would be sold to Pacifica, which operates other retirement communities.

That same day, Sherry Ikezawa, who has lived in the community for 12 years, filed a lawsuit in Riverside County Superior Court. The complaint’s allegations include negligence, breach of contract and elder financial abuse.

Ikezawa’s husband, Michael Ikezawa, who served in the Army and Air Force, passed away four years ago. She said the couple chose the community, which was originally known as Air Force Village West, specifically because they wanted to live in a community of military veterans and their spouses.

“The whole atmosphere is going to change with the sale,” Ikezawa said, adding that she was concerned that it remain a nonprofit operation.

David Greco, Ikezawa’s attorney, said residents are concerned about what the sale to a for-profit company will mean for nursing care and other services that they paid thousands of dollars for when they bought into the community. He said the board “has cloaked everything in secrecy.”

“This sale threatens (Air Force Village West’s) founding goal, imperils the level of care that AFWV’s current residents receive, and endangers the futures of many current resident-stakeholders,” the lawsuit states.

Julie Michaels, executive director of Altavita, said she had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment directly on its allegations.

Michaels confirmed that a sale was pending and said it was approved by a board that includes three residents as members.

“The entire process has been very transparent with the residents and it has been communicated to family members,” she said.

The complex changed its name to Altavita in 2015 and broadened its base to the general public.

But Greco said the board of directors has not listened to residents who have an advisory role with a village resident council. In September, the council voted 10-9 to ask all nonresident members of the board to resign. Board Chairwoman Mary Carruthers declined the demand in a letter, according to the lawsuit.

While Ikezawa is the only plaintiff named, Greco said other residents may join the lawsuit.

Greco said residents also have asked the California Attorney General’s office to look into the sale. In June, the office sent a letter to Altavita stating that it had not complied with an independent audit, according to the lawsuit.

Greco said courts have discretion with nonprofit agencies to make sure they are being administered properly and to protect the rights of residents such as those at Altavita.